Philanthropist Jim Kimsey, On the Receiving End

How do you honor a big-bucks philanthropist who has devoted millions of dollars and thousands of hours to making Washington the "Athens of Pericles"? Jim Kimsey -- "softest touch in town," legendary bachelor and global adventurer -- was toasted and roasted Friday night by an august group at the Kennedy Center who tiptoed that fine line between respect and ribald.

"I could go on about Jim's many trips to Colombia but, as a true gentleman, I forgot them all," cracked Luis Moreno , ex-Colombian ambassador.

Joe Robert (Kimsey's best bud) and Don Graham (our Big Boss, as Washington Post chairman) co-hosted the $350,000 fundraiser for Greater D.C. Cares; VIPs included Queen Noor, Vernon Jordan, Alma Powell, George Vrandenburg, Susie Kay and Tom Lewis.

The AOL founder grinned like mad and refused to give details about any trips, even when we asked real nice. Smart guy.

The story above was forwarded by Bill Mogan as reported in the Washington Post.